IND vs IRE: Jemimah Rodrigues Shines As India Outclass Ireland In 2nd ODI

India secured a commanding 116-run victory over Ireland in the second ODI at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, continuing their impressive form in the ongoing series. 

India put up a commanding batting display in their clash against Ireland, setting a daunting target of 371 runs in their allotted 50 overs. Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, India’s batters lived up to the decision, delivering one of their most dominant performances of the season.

Openers Set The Tone

The innings began with an electrifying opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal. Right from the outset, the duo looked in sublime touch, mixing finesse with aggression to take on the Irish bowling attack. Mandhana, known for her ability to pierce gaps and accelerate at will, played with characteristic flair. 

She reached her half-century off just 40 balls, dispatching ten boundaries and two sixes during her 73-run knock. Her aggression set the tone for India’s innings, forcing the Irish bowlers onto the back foot early. 

Pratika Rawal, complementing Mandhana’s fireworks, was equally impressive, accumulating 67 runs off 61 deliveries. Her innings was marked by crisp strokes and well-judged running between the wickets. Together, the pair added a scintillating 156 runs in just under 19 overs, putting India in firm control.

The breakthrough for Ireland came courtesy of Orla Prendergast, who dismissed Mandhana with a well-directed delivery that ended the left-hander’s entertaining innings. Soon after, Georgina Dempsey removed Rawal, breaking India’s flourishing momentum. However, the damage had been done, as the solid foundation allowed India to unleash their middle order.

Harleen Deol and Jemimah Rodrigues Dominate

Harleen Deol and Jemimah Rodrigues walked in with India already in a strong position but determined to build on the platform. 

The duo stitched together a monumental third-wicket stand worth 183 runs, completely taking the game away from Ireland. Harleen Deol played a mature and steady knock, accumulating 89 runs off 84 balls. Her innings was a blend of aggression and caution, as she found the boundary 12 times while rotating the strike effectively.

At the other end, Rodrigues was the star of the day, crafting a masterful century. Starting cautiously, she settled into her innings with singles and well-placed shots before shifting gears. With precision timing and excellent placement, Rodrigues steadily dismantled Ireland’s bowling attack. 

Her unbeaten knock of 102 off 91 deliveries was a testament to her adaptability and class, punctuated by 12 boundaries. Rodrigues reached her maiden century and a special milestone in the penultimate over, ensuring India finished their innings on a high.

Ireland’s bowlers, despite their efforts, struggled to contain the Indian batters. Arlene Kelly and Orla Prendergast picked up two wickets each, with Kelly conceding 82 runs in her 10 overs and Prendergast 75. Georgina Dempsey, though economical early on, couldn’t sustain the pressure, and the lack of breakthroughs at crucial junctures hurt Ireland.

India’s final tally of 370/5 was a testament to their batting depth and dominance. With a target of 371 to chase, Ireland faced a steep uphill task, left to reflect on their inability to restrict India’s relentless batting lineup.

Ireland’s Run-Chase

Chasing a mammoth target of 371 set by India, Ireland knew they had to deliver something extraordinary to pull off an upset. However, the uphill battle proved too steep as their innings never really found the rhythm required for such a monumental chase.

The Irish innings began cautiously, with openers Gaby Lewis and Sarah Forbes looking to settle in and negotiate India’s new-ball bowlers. Titas Sadhu and Sayali Satghare bowled a disciplined opening spell, ensuring that runs were hard to come by. The pressure mounted, and Lewis, after scoring a tentative 12 off 19 balls, fell victim to Titas Sadhu, giving India their first breakthrough in the sixth over.

Sarah Forbes Bats Positively

Sarah Forbes, however, held her ground, playing watchfully to anchor the innings. Alongside Christina Coulter Reilly, she began to rebuild for Ireland, but the required run rate continued to climb. Forbes managed a steady 38 before falling to Deepti Sharma, who bowled a beauty to breach her defences. With Forbes’ departure, Ireland found themselves at 74/2, with the chase already looking increasingly daunting.

Christina Coulter Reilly’s Marathon Knock

Coulter Reilly then took on the responsibility of keeping Ireland’s hopes alive. She played with determination and composure, crafting a gritty knock of 80 off 113 balls. Her innings, studded with ten boundaries, was a standout effort amidst the pressure of a massive chase. 

Coulter Reilly showed resilience and skill, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries whenever possible. She found a valuable partner in Laura Delany, who injected some much-needed momentum into the innings.

Laura Delany Infuses Hope

Delany’s quickfire 37 off just 36 balls included four boundaries and a six, providing a glimmer of hope for the Irish camp. Together, she and Coulter Reilly stitched a crucial partnership, but India struck again when things seemed to be gaining traction. Priya Mishra, with her sharp leg spin, dismissed Delany, and the partnership was broken. Coulter Reilly soon followed, falling to Deepti Sharma, who continued to be a thorn in Ireland’s side with her clever variations and unerring accuracy.

Deepti Sharma Spins A Web

As the innings progressed, Ireland struggled to form meaningful partnerships. Orla Prendergast, one of their key players, was dismissed cheaply by Priya Mishra, further denting their hopes. Arlene Kelly and Georgina Dempsey made small contributions lower down the order, but the Indian bowlers were relentless in maintaining their stranglehold. Deepti Sharma was the star of the attack, finishing with impressive figures of 3/37 in her full quota of 10 overs, while Priya Mishra chipped in with 2/44.

Titas Sadhu and Sayali Satghare were also instrumental, bowling tight spells and picking up a wicket each. Their disciplined efforts ensured Ireland’s lower order couldn’t mount a late challenge. Despite their best efforts, Ireland could only manage 254/7 in their 50 overs, falling 117 runs short of the target.

The match was a testament to India’s dominance in all departments. Their bowlers complemented the batters’ efforts perfectly, executing their plans precisely and ensuring the result was never in doubt. Jemimah Rodrigues, whose sublime century had set the tone for the match, was rightly named Player of the Match.

For Ireland, the performance of Christina Coulter Reilly was a silver lining. Her fighting knock demonstrated her ability to perform under pressure, and Laura Delany’s cameo showed promise. However, the lack of significant partnerships and the inability to counter India’s disciplined bowling ultimately led to their downfall.

This comprehensive victory further strengthened India’s position in the ICC Women’s Championship, underscoring their status as a formidable side. Meanwhile, Ireland will aim to learn from this experience and regroup ahead of the final ODI, hoping to end the series positively.

Brief Scores: India vs Ireland – 2nd ODI

India: 370/5 in 50 overs (Jemimah Rodrigues 102, Smriti Mandhana 73, Harleen Deol 89; Arlene Kelly 2/82, Orla Prendergast 2/75) defeated Ireland: 254/7 in 50 overs (Christina Coulter Reilly 80, Sarah Forbes 38, Laura Delany 37; Deepti Sharma 3/37, Priya Mishra 2/44) by 117 runs.

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